Gloria has a passion for advocating for people with disability. As chairperson of our Client Advisory Panel (CAP), she has not only given people living with disability a voice but developed new skills of her own.
Gloria joined CAP to help people with disability have their ideas heard.
In May 2023, she was selected by panel members to be chairperson and now runs the CAP meetings as part of her role.
“I wanted to join CAP because I’m a bright person,” said Gloria.
“I have lots of ideas and I wanted to help people with non-verbal disabilities get their opinions and their ideas heard and their voices as well.”
The client voice
Our Client Advisory Panel represents the voices of the people who use our services.
The panel is made up of 13 clients who meet six times a year to discuss and provide feedback on issues that matter to them. This has included Scope’s Disability Action Plan and Strategic Plan, human rights, sexual health and wellbeing, advertising campaigns, animals in service, and complaints and feedback processes.
Their feedback is shared directly with our Board and leadership teams to help guide plans and decision making.
Gloria said including the voices of clients can help to improve services for people with disability.
“It’s important that our voices are heard because we have ideas to help people that live in [supported accommodation], help centres find what they need to improve, and help clients and staff to get along,” said Gloria.
“It’s important as well just to hear opinions from people with disability. We are normal people like everybody else, sometimes we just need a little bit more time or support.”
Speaking the same language
Part of Gloria’s role in running the meetings is to ensure the agenda is suitable for panel members, including using simple English or alternative methods of communication.
“I know there are people with disability, including myself, who understand best when we speak simple English words and use pictures,” said Gloria. “We recently started using flashcards in our meetings to ask people questions and get their answers to make sure everyone is involved.”
Gloria said another reason she wanted to join CAP is because members can understand each other and be understood.
“Sometimes when people with disability are in a group with people without disability, the [people without disability] talk different languages. For example, they talk in slang or really short sentences, and we don’t understand the language,” said Gloria.
“I wanted to join the panel because we all fit in and we can all speak the same language, verbal and non-verbal.”
Developing new skills
In addition to running the meetings, Gloria has taken part in consultations, audits, reports, video recordings, and presentations. Her involvement in these activities has seen her confidence soar.
“When I first became chairperson, I was really nervous and shy, especially when we had [senior leaders] talk with us about important issues and when I had to interrupt people to keep the meeting on time,” said Gloria.
“I’m most proud that I have developed and improved in running the meetings. I feel more confident that I can say, ‘Stop we need to wrap this up’, or ‘I’m sorry to interrupt’. I also felt like a person with a little bit of power – but I make sure the power doesn’t go to my head!”
Gloria said she has also developed her technology skills, including using Microsoft Teams.
“During my first three meetings, I had a lot of help and support from staff, but slowly I started to do the meetings myself, developing the skills and using technology.”
Patience is key
At the end of the year, Gloria will finish as chairperson as she sets out on her next goal: finding a job in retail.
“I've enjoyed being the chairperson and learning new skills and running the meetings. I've also enjoyed listening to other people's experiences and what they've been through and how they came to where they are today, and just meeting new friends and people.”
Gloria also shared her advice for people with disability who want to become leaders.
“If you’re interested in being a leader, the best advice I can give you is that it requires a lot of patience. You have to be a good listener and take in everybody’s ideas and opinions,” said Gloria.
“You also need to remember, and I too struggle with this, there’s no right or wrong answers to the questions we ask. And if things go a little bit off schedule, you can extend the meeting a little bit, which is okay!”
Gloria is part of our 2024 International Day of People with Disability series which celebrates the theme ‘Amplifying the leadership of people with disability for an inclusive and sustainable future’. From 28 November – 3 December, we're sharing the stories of just some of our leaders living with disability and clients who are dreaming big and achieving their goals.
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